Voltaire discusses his approaching death, atheists, and Baruch Spinoza. A loan slip for the letter in included on f.3.

Whether the essays were written to support the author’s theological studies, as material to be presented in convocations, or in response to the scientific revelations or debates of the time is unclear; however, a reader with initials “J.W.M” read, notated, and provided short comments on the contents. Cilley provided a few ink drawings, including a chart showing the geologic strata and time periods, as well as an image of the human heart. Many essays contain citations to theological writings of the period. Among the many philosophers and writers covered are Aristotle, Benedict Spinoza, Thomas Hobbes, d’Alembart, Diderot, Voltaire, Alexander Pope, David Hume, Hugh Miller, and Enoch Pond.

Voltaire begins with a discussion of suicide, before turning to the health of his recipient and himself. He notes that the marquise has lost two eyes but has retained friends, wit, imagination, and a good stomach. He, on the other hand, is much older, can’t digets, is going deaf, and is being made blind by the snows of Mont Jura. Voltaire adds that he can neither stay in nor leave Ferney, noting that he has wanted to found a colony there and establish two fine watch factories. He then discusses his financial woes, concluding that he will not kill himself and noting that philosophy is good for something- it consoles. He then discusses his desire to please the recipient’s grandmother and her husband and die as their vassal. He briefly remarks on the visits of Mr. Seguier and Mr. d’Alembert before bidding the marquise farewell.